Ban the Cruel Seal Trade, Humane Society International (HSI)
The ‘Ban the Cruel Seal Trade’ campaign was successful in obtaining its objectives despite huge opposition from the Canadian government and vested interests across Europe. The campaign was marked by the enthusiasm and the dedication of the Humane Society International’s team – in Brussels and on the ice in Canada – which never took either “Yes” or “No” for an answer.
Another reason for ‘Ban the Cruel Seal Trade’ making this year’s shortlist for campaign of the year is the outstanding way in which classical advocacy of the EU institutions was supplemented and strengthened by innovative and highly effective political communications in the public eye (through advertising, PR activities and online campaigning) which ensured that the advocacy gains were sustained to the end.
These efforts were described by an EP committee chairperson at the time as one of the most sophisticated pieces of lobbying she had ever seen. In Parliament alone, HSI met over 150 MEPs in person. Included in its many achievements, Humane Society International secured a record 425 MEP signatures for the Written Declaration calling on the Commission to prepare legislation to end the trade in seal products in the EU. The result: the EP backed a full ban with an overwhelming majority – 550 in favour, 49 against.
For more details, please visit: http://bansealtrade.wordpress.com
